Men Rose Quartz Necklace
2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century American Artisan Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Beaded Bracelets
Jade
20th Century Chinese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Jade
1990s French Wrist Watches
Silver, Stainless Steel
2010s Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Jade, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Charm Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Fashion Rings
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cuff Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Cuff Bracelets
Pearl, Gold
20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Iolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s Hong Kong Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, Yello...
2010s Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Cuff Bracelets
2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings
Jade, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Bangles
Finding the Right necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.